Language and Culture

                                                    

Language and Culture

Throughout history, language is deeply intertwined with culture and interacts with it, creating a mosaic of artistic, linguistic and cultural expression. Even before culture appeared, language had a social function, and  was there enabling people to communicate speech, values, beliefs, customs, and therefore have an exchange. Language is only a part of the culture, while culture is a complex structure containing a variety of features that cover and extend all human creative activities. Apart from being an instrument of communication, language displays a human social identity and a cultural element that shapes the basic characteristics of religion, race, descent, origin and ethnic background. 

Humans are the only species who have developed a system of cognitive language communication, and this is why it is so important in cultures to see how they have evolved through mutual contact, communication and interaction.   “A language is not just words. It's a culture, a tradition, a unification of a community, a whole history that creates what a community is. It's all embodied in a language.” - Noam Chomsky Nowadays, it’s becoming increasingly evident that in a globalised world those two aspects of human endeavour are taking an important role in shaping the modern world community. The world is rapidly changing through the mass media and social media and both are offering us new innovative ways of communication whereby language plays a pivotal road, thus forming a new advanced culture. In this sense, we see the complementary element that connects those two sides: language and culture is an inseparable duet.

The relationship between culture, language, as well as literature cannot be emphasised enough. Culture is manifested in every aspect of human endeavour expressed through the performing arts, theatre, music, literature etc. whereby language is modus vivendi and a driving force. ❝Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.❞ Rita Mae Brown Therefore, learning another language is a great way to grasp a broader aspect of a certain culture, and an amazing enrichment. According to linguistics experts, language is a cultural,  social phenomenon, and psychological experience. You can better understand people’s culture, customs and behaviour; if you have studied and learned their language. In this respect, people who have learned a foreign language in the country where this language is spoken, do benefit double, because they get to know the language, native people, and their culture, customs, mentality and habits, and in this way learning is becoming an educational and cultural event.”Absolutely nothing is so important for a nation's culture as its language.” Wilhelm von Humboldt 

Our world today is becoming increasingly inter-cultural and multilingual, and this is the result of globalisation that is now occurring. All cultures are open to intermingle with other cultures, and create a broader culture. Many students choose to continue their studies in a foreign country and in many cases stay there and integrate with their new culture. The same is true with tourism which opens new dimensions in human relationships and connects people from different languages and cultures. Another example is gastronomy and international cuisine. Nowadays, chefs  choose to expand the variety of tastes through integration and innovation. This allows them to create new recipes and tastes, opening a new territory in this field.  “I also believe that food can unite people from all walks of life and cultures. When we sit together and eat, we promote better understanding and harmony. Food brings love, peace and compassion to the table.”— Chef Wan

Furthermore, language and culture can contribute to creating a better world, a more harmonious and peaceful world. The knowledge of another language breaks down the barriers that separate people and countries and creates bridges that connect people, enabling them to freely communicate among each other and become friends. The acquisition of a language broadens one’s horizon and becomes a precious skill which is an asset for professional achievements and a    successful career. Children born in families with parents coming from different cultures and speaking different languages are becoming multicultural and multilingual which is a huge advantage and enrichment which contributes to uniting our cultures. Conflicts can also be resolved, if we care more for intercultural communication and dialogue, thus promoting better relationships among different cultures through exchange and negotiations. Respect for other cultures is very important and that also includes different religions and faiths. They might be alien to us, but it is imperative to be tolerant and open-minded, and above all accept diversity. “Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity” by Robert Alan.

Finally, we are destined to create a better world whereby language and culture have a definitive role to play.We need to work together and deconstruct any prejudice and bias in our society and accept diversity i.e. different languages and cultures by being tolerant and open-minded. Far from generating conflicts, we can transcend our differences and resolve issues through dialogue and mutual acceptance. International commerce, business and entrepreneurship shows us that we depend on each other and that we can mutually benefit if we are ready to apply norms, principles and values in the way we handle. 

Save the Planet

                                                 Save the Planet

  Our planet Earth is sending an SOS signal, especially  in recent years and the signs are seen all over the planet. Increasingly, we see climate change and its effects: wildfires, floods, global warming,iceberg melting, widespread air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, water level rise, etc. What is our reaction to all this? World leaders haven’t  yet shown that they are really interested in solving the problem and cannot agree on taking the necessary measures that will enable them to face this crucial challenge. There should be a consensus to restrict gas emissions, especially in heavily industrialised countries like the USA, China, Russia, Japan and EU countries including the United Kingdom etc. Instead they are waiting by wasting precious time and pushing things to the limits and walking along the razor’s edge demonstrating inability to work together in unison. The world cannot wait anymore. Serious action is absolutely indispensible. “We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.”— Barack Obama

Our awareness should be raised in order to grasp the root of the problem, and become sensitised towards our individual and not only collective responsibility facing this crucial challenge. The solution starts with me, the individual and is extended to further units as society, nation and finally the world.  It should become part of our educational systems and schools to raise children’s  awareness towards the environment and nature. We are the guardians of this beautiful planet to keep it intact and to respect every single inch of its territory as it is truly our only home. Sooner or later, we will have to recognise that the Earth has rights, too, to live without polluting. What mankind must know is that human beings cannot live without Mother Earth, but the planet can live without humans. – Evo Morales

Fortunately, there is an increasing awareness worldwide about the environmental threats and there already exist numerous initiatives to protect the environment.  Instead of looking far away, we need to start from the individual and communal level, and this is what really matters now. Above all, we as sole stewards of this planet should develop a deeper love and awareness of our natural environment starting with recycling our waste, saving energy where we can, reuse things and reduce our daily needs. We have to educate ourselves by keeping our sea, beaches, forests, lakes and rivers, squares clean. We have to understand that our planet doesn’t have endless natural resources and need to use renewable and sustainable energy sources. Water is a common good which is vital and invaluable for human life and health as well as sustainability. We need to save water and use it with care and reduce its unnecessary use.  Water is in scarcity and we should think that there are millions of people elsewhere who don’t have this precious commodity and suffer due to its lack or their water is not clean and non potable by humans.  Also cars and industries are the main culprits for pollution and countries should work together in unison to face and solve the threat before it’s too late. A strong volunteer movement should emerge worldwide whose responsibility should be to contribute in saving our home from disasters. “Each of us can contribute, though. With our votes, our voices, our food choices, our skills and our dollars. We must overhaul both corporate practices and government policies. We must transform culture. Building community around solutions is the most important thing. I am never going to give up working to protect and restore this magnificent planet. Every bit of habitat we preserve, every tenth of a degree of warming we prevent, really does matter. Thankfully, I'm not motivated by hope, but rather a desire to be useful.”

— Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

Let’s not waste time because this is a serious matter and we need to act immediately. We cannot wait anymore until the Amazon is totally extinct of endangered species, aquatic life and illegal deforestation, the oceans polluted, the continents burnt down by wildfires and no clean air to breathe.  We owe respect,  care and vigilance considering that this planet earth is our only home since we cannot migrate to other planets right now. This place was granted to us by our Creator and we as stewards and heirs should rightfully protect and elevate it as the most precious and holy place of the universe, our home.

Creationism vs Evolution

                                            

  Creationism vs Evolution 

 

 Are humans the result of Intelligent Design or random chance?

     

          There shouldn’t  be a dispute between religion and science concerning the origin of life on earth and how it evolved over time. Religion supports that God created life and above all human beings in His image, man and woman. Observing the physical visible world we can perceive His omnipotence i.e. His creative power and wisdom. However, there are so many things which we cannot really grasp about God’s creating a vast cosmos, his plan and motivation. Science’s approach about the creation of the world is based on measurable physical laboratorial evidence related to matter, so taking distance from religion or any sentimental emotional approach. We cannot arbitrarily exclude God from the process of evolution i.e. because we might be atheists. It is an accepted fact nowadays that the Bible uses symbols and metaphors in many cases in order to define time or explain things. One “day” could be thousands of years in the long process of creation. This is only one small example that these two fields can agree on many matters and not oppose each other. 

Fossils prove that evolution is a natural phenomenon that cannot be questioned, while faith is a human phenomenon that is being expressed throughout religious history and is being observed in people’s life and action. Both creationism and evolution have a common basis that doesn’t allow them to undermine each other, but to support each other. We can see “fossils” of faith recorded in human history and tradition throughout the world, from time immemorial. There is an ungodly evolution and a theistic evolution that  justifiably believes that the  God-Creator must be involved in everything and that also includes evolution. Creation follows a purpose and God is the guiding force behind that purpose. Otherwise, how could it be explained that the human being was created at the end of a long circle of time right at the point when everything was there ready to welcome the appearance of man. “This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being.” - Isaac Newton (1642-1727), Principia (1687) The power of religion cannot be put above the power of a God-Creator whose attributes haven’t fully been revealed by religion. However, it is also appropriate to describe God according to Christian faith, Father or Parent, rather than to totally disclose God from human affairs. A parental figure cannot be abstract. “I belong to the group of scientists who do not subscribe to a conventional religion but nevertheless deny that the universe is a purposeless accident. Through my scientific work I have come to believe more and more strongly that the physical universe is put together with an ingenuity so astonishing that I cannot accept it merely as a brute fact. There must, it seems to me, be a deeper level of explanation. Whether one wishes to call that deeper level ‘God’ is a matter of taste and definition.”

– Paul Davies

Βοth sides, religion and science agree that the cosmos and life are astonishing and mind-boggling. It’s not possible to explain life by sheer scientific knowledge. You cannot but feel fascinated by the incredible harmony, biodiversity and variety in nature, the duality and interconnections within the ecosystems and the relationships surrounded by incredible beauty, and interdependence. And all that should be the result of random chance? To believe that let us follow this analogy, imagine that in a store house there is a sudden explosion and the result is a wonderful mansion with a beautiful garden and swimming pool! Does it make sense? However, if that happens, and you are just an observer who happens to receive this gift of a mansion with a swimming pool, wouldn’t you wish to meet the donor of this property and relate to him as a sign of gratitude. My common sense is affirmative, and I would like to meet that person face to face and express my feelings to him. “They are two windows through which we look at the world. Religion deals with our relationship with our creator, with each other, the meaning and purpose of life, and moral values; science deals with the make-up of matter, expansion of galaxies, evolution of organisms. They deal with different ways of knowing. I feel that science is compatible with religious faith in a personal, omnipotent and benevolent God.”- Francisco Ayala, Evolutionary Geneticist

This debate is endless, because it encapsulates two crucial perspectives which are our trust and acceptance towards science as something tangible and measurable and our approach to religion which incorporates a spiritual dimension that requires faith and spiritual perception. Is there any spirituality in science? It all depends on the worldview and the orientation of the researcher and scientist, if he/she is a devotee or not. Having said so, it is what makes the difference between an atheist and a believer. By the same token, the very essence and meaning of science is knowledge and knowledge should lead to wisdom and higher awareness of the world we live in. Interestingly, the essence and meaning of religion is associated with the connection to God through a love relationship, a very word you won’t find in science. However, it’s only the essence of love which can save the world, lead to a higher awareness and wisdom and finally to peace, inner peace and world peace. This is the difference between science and faith. Nevertheless, true world peace can only be realised if the two sides come together and follow the pathway of convergence and unity.  

        

Diplomacy and Politics

      Diplomacy and Politics

• According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary,“diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations and handling affairs without arousing hostility.”  However, diplomacy is much more than this short definition, because it expands and encapsulates a long array of affairs and issues that need diplomacy to be resolved. The art of negotiating is the pivotal power of diplomacy in order to resolve disputes and crises, sign treaties, agreements and promote economic relations and also foster cultural relationships between nations. It is known that diplomatic relations between nations play an important role in the world today and contribute to bringing the world closer together, avoid tensions and enable better communication and cooperation. In many cases, it is often through the tool of diplomacy that critical conflicts and wars have been avoided by means of diplomacy. An entity that expresses the meaning of diplomacy is the United Nations Organization (UNO) which stands for the ideals of democracy and the human values that is guarantor for world peace and cooperation. However, in recent years it has lost its reputation and needs to restore its identity and worldwide acceptance. 

  
  
  

  Diplomacy cannot be limited to simply conducting negotiations to achieve an agreement or resolve a problem. Diplomacy is the art of bringing together two parties that need a mediator in order to start dealing with each other and come together. Diplomacy is refined language, tactfulness, empathy, common understanding, willingness to listen to the other party, accept the rules and readiness to make concessions in order to achieve a higher goal like peace.  “These, then, are the qualities of my ideal diplomatist. Truth, accuracy, calm, patience, good temper, modesty and loyalty. They are also the qualities of an ideal diplomacy. But, the reader may object, you have forgotten intelligence, knowledge, discernment, prudence, hospitality, charm, industry, courage and even tact. I have not forgotten them. I have taken them for granted.” Harold Nicholson

  
  

  We can easily say that diplomacy begins at home because it is always a means of persuasion, reconciliation and agreement. Parents can apply this tactic sweetened by love and care. If we are willing to avoid conflict and confrontation, we need to apply such tactics and do it with honesty and sincere interest. Never hurt the other party is always a prerequisite to create the conditions which will enable dialogue. “A world without dialogue is a universe of darkness. If people don't get together and share views and exchange ideas, they remain unaware, ignorant, and unconscious. As they live in a space that they don't understand, everything becomes meaningless, incoherent, and forcefully scary. If fear rules our lives, we lose the core of our being, since 'fear' is disrupting the schedule of our existence, and blocks the waves of the good vibrations. ("Beware of the neighbour")”― Erik Pevernagie. Diplomacy without dialogue is like a beautiful tree without fruits. Communication is essential and the beginning of a relationship regardless of the level; starting from the individual, societal or international affairs. Therefore, diplomacy and communication are the vehicles to improve and promote sound dialogue and negotiations which are the warrant to avoid conflict and war and establish peace between two parties.  Along with dialogue, there should be the willingness to open up and break the ice. 

  
  

  Diplomacy without dialogue is like a beautiful tree without fruits. Dialogue and communication are the tools to create a bond, a relationship, and if that fails, there is division and no bridge to connect the two parties.   Therefore diplomacy and good will  can offer solutions and assistance. One needs to be well equipped with the right attitude and disposition and eliminate any selfish and egocentric mindset in order to win the trust of the other party and be convincing as a good partner. As it is known attitudes affect partners and in diplomacy especially we need to approach the other side with honesty and deep understanding. Crucial decisions have lasting effects and some moments in life can create permanent impact for long periods when dealing with peace issues. (Where people of goodwill get together and transcend their differences for the common good, peaceful and just solutions can be found even for those problems which seem most intractable). — Nelson Mandela

  
  

  Human beings are the most sensitive beings, and it often takes only an awkward  or clumsy word or action to damage a relationship. Therefore, we need to use a method which can create a good atmosphere and good fellowship, and it is there where diplomacy and good will become increasingly evident that above all we are here for a supreme cause and we are accountable to bring it to pass. For this to happen, we need to transcend our limits and overcome our fears in terms of our narrow scope of world or national affairs. If we want to make an omelette we need to break the eggs, therefore we shouldn’t be hesitant to stride forward with absolute determination and decisiveness. 

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Sustainable Development

                             Implementing Sustainable Development

                                

Everybody should know by now about the meaning of sustainability as it directly affects our life and the future generations. It’s our responsibility to secure a balance, so that economic growth, environmental concerns and humankind’s well-being are safeguarded. Our planet Earth in spite of its immense resources has already reached its limits. We should not compromise the survival of future generations by ignoring the basic principles that govern the universe and it’s there where sustainability acquires meaning. The natural resources which are available now, will soon come to an end, and it is becoming increasingly critical for the population of the earth to survive. Solar renewable energy, wind power plants, and hydropower are the most effective renewable energy resources that offer green energy and can contribute to creating an environment that is healthy and friendly to humans. 

Our small planet is at risk and sending continuous warnings of its clinical condition that is critical and dangerous. Global warming, climate change, air pollution, environmental pollution, wildfires, iceberg melting, sea level rise, deforestation etc. are serious issues that we have to face and resolve. “The sustainability revolution will, hopefully, be the third major social and economic turning point in human history, following the Neolithic Revolution – moving from hunter-gathering to farming – and the Industrial Revolution.” - King Charles What is most important in resolving such issues is our mentality and responsibility. We cannot exclude ourselves from the healing process that is needed and have to think we are part of the problem and have a collective responsibility toward our fellow man and our vital environment. Economic growth and development shouldn’t happen by means of vital environmental violations and disrespectful practices towards our planet. Our well-being and health are more important than economic indexes and development.  

In regard to modern technology and today's efforts to minimize the use of fossil fuels by replacing them with environmentaly friendly resources, humankind is facing new challenges and impasses. Let's take the example referring to the introduction of electric cars whose batteries are produced by the use of rare earth elements which contain complex components like nickel, lithium, graphite and cobalt. All these materials are very difficult to find and mine from the earth. When the goal is to reduce the levels of pollution in the air, water and soil this goal cannot be achieved if the processes to extract such materials are causing increased pollution to the environment in order to separate these materials from the soil. Τhe result is a complete fiasco. Sustainable development is a must and the way to achieve it should correspond to human principles and values and not jeopardize the prosperity of future generations and the planet. The same is true with the use of wind turbines at a time when a lot of cities around the world are planning to build a large number of them at the city limits or at the mountains surrounding the cities. Some of disadvantages of wind turbines are that cause low-level noise affecting people's health headaches etc., are harmful to wildlife causing thousands of deaths to birds, are aesthetically displeasing etc. So, renewable energy sources should be implemented with care and caution. “Anything else you're interested in is not going to happen if you can't breathe the air and drink the water. Don't sit this one out. Do something. You are by accident of fate alive at an absolutely critical moment in the history of our planet.” - Carl Sagan.

Science and modern technology are tools which can contribute to improving human life conditions and creating more environment - friendly products, technological and industrial equipment. Unfortunately, we experience every day that humans behave as if this planet is their property and thereby ignore the fact that this planet is God’s Creation and a gift to us which includes the meaning of a good and dignified administration and respect towards people and all goods and assets. As long as the leading nations of this world act independently, and not in unison with them in terms of resolving the increasingly challenging issues of the world; there is no hope for improvement with lasting effects. The world community should be in the position to tackle any challenge with success and offer a hope that we can guarantee a secure future for the generations to come. The huge gap between the rich and the poor should no longer be so threatening for those in need who cannot survive and live a decent life in a world that is dramatically changing through the amazing effects of the application of modern technology.  “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”   — Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States

Our world needs indeed an ethical and moral philosophy that links to the religious values that have nourished the people throughout history and have been able to advocate and establish profound values like brotherhood, solidarity, peace and cooperation. This is the quintessence that can unite the world despite our religious, cultural and social differences. The world or world village is a unified body, and if one small part of the body is hurt and feels ache, the holy body aches and feels unconfortable. This might show together we can face all challenges and create a world community where everybody feels connected, accepted and above all welcome to participate as a member of the same big family in which we are all included despite all our differences.

Conflict Resolution

     

Conflict Resolution

 

Ever since the beginning of humankind, conflict has been a part of human experience and a daunting task as for the way to resolve it in a peaceful manner. What is actually the origin of conflict and what can be done in order to avoid that to happen? According to the Scriptures the first conflict appeared in the Garden of Eden, since Adam & Eve failed to follow God’s Commandment and disobeyed God. God had to expel them from Paradise and they were alienated and separated from God. The story of Cain and Abel is the first serious conflict situation and crime  that was not resolved peacefully and ended dramatically and tragically in fratricide. Actually, the conflict starts with me as an individual and expands exponentially within human society and the world. As long as the problem is not resolved in oneself i.e. in its root, there won’t be any solution to the problem. 

Potentially good people with integrity of character and mature personality are not vulnerable in getting involved in conflict situations and can master such situations successfully. Usually people who grow up in bad environments like broken families, ghettos or gangs are susceptible to developing violent characters and evil habits. In contrast, people who are born in good loving families and receive affection, attention and value tend to be well equipped in front of challenges that involve violence and conflict. A conflict won’t necessarily lead to a fight or confrontation, if the two parties know how to negotiate and are willing to find a solution. It’s always imperative to respect your opponent and be eager to look at things from a higher point of view. It is always within our reach to avoid conflicts or resolve them, provided we are inclined to make a concession and compromise. “Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

The reason we often fail to find a solution or agreement is personal or national interests, arrogance and lack of understanding as for the other side. Under the surface is usually selfishness that causes a conflict to arise. Therefore a self check about our motives is always the best method to prevent such a development and avoid any conflict on its outset. One major factor of conflicts has to do with communication, mistrust and misunderstanding. Often we take things for granted and do not confess or communicate our thoughts and plans to the people directly associated with us. Frankness and honesty are two very effective approaches to bring about harmony in our relationships. We need to be aware of our weaknesses and admit our deficiencies and if possible confess them, then we are qualified to improve and stride forward to new lands. “When you have a conflict, that means that there are truths that have to be addressed on each side of the conflict. And when you have a conflict, then it's an educational process to try to resolve the conflict. And to resolve that, you have to get people on both sides of the conflict involved so that they can dialogue.” – Dolores Huerta

The opposite of conflict is the pursuit of peace. If we experience peace in ourselves, there is no room for conflict and confrontation. A person that has grown up in a loving family and has experienced this life-changing experience of affection, appreciation and warmth by his parents and siblings has learned maybe the best lesson in his life and feels secure and confident to resolve whatever problem comes across according to this peaceful formula that has to do with sound human relations and strong mutual bonds. To violate such a concept of being and becoming would be as choosing to be self-destructive and a rejection to human identity and value. If you don’t want (hate) evil and relate to it or have developed an aversion against it, then it would be most unusual to get involved in critical and confrontational situations. Even if you were  engaged in such a conflict, you would know how to handle and master it without resorting to violence and arguments. “Conflict forces us to be fully present because it shatters our ego—stripping away all hope of escape or sugar coating. It removes everything that is nonessential to our authentic being; it removes all superficial layers. Conflict is painful because it wakes us up out of our created illusions. And if we lean into it, conflict can be the catalyst to our enlightenment.” – Alison Hutchinson

We should never allow ourselves to be dominated by evil feelings and emotions like anger, hate, revenge and retaliation. We do have the ability to reconcile opposite forces in ourselves and create peace of mind. Our pursuit should lead to acquisition of good and moral traits, integrity, truth, sincerity and overcome selfishness. Such qualities can harmonise our character and personality and attain a state of internal equilibrium and balance. The final stage of internal growth is to feel joy and happiness which lead us to peace and fulfillment. There can be nothing more valuable and precious than that.  

Religion vs Philosophy

              Religion vs Philosophy

Religion is based on God’s Dispensation for the Messiah and His revelation through the means of religion and it also includes religious practices, and a life of faith and prayer. In contrast philosophy is more or less the pursuit of higher knowledge or truth and a general awareness about life. Philosophy takes a critical and analytical viewpoint towards belief systems, because its approach is rational and seeks to prove and justify everything in existence. Religion  is supported by followers who are believers and usually have adopted their belief from their parents in a traditional way and haven’t been seekers of truth themselves. However, true believers are those who accept other people’s beliefs as their own and don’t want to be fanatics or hostile towards other beliefs. With philosophy there is no such antagonism and there is more respect towards other philosophies as they all have commonalities that are generally accepted without serious objections and malevolence. 

The content of a religious belief has an impact on our life because it conveys profound  values and principles which are general guidelines for a religious life. Morality and ethics are closely related to a religious lifestyle. A lot of people distinguish between religion and church, because they think church is only an institution and they see priests not necessarily as God’s representatives. The issue with christian denominations is that the pluralism of faiths contradicts its own nature that brings division instead of unity by creating antagonism and separatism. Claims that” I am the only one who is right '' and have the monopoly on truth do not help, but instead bring disunity and hostility. The fact that there are more than 400 different denominations within Christianity shows that the concept of religion is extremely subjective, strict and controversial as far as “religious correctness’’ is concerned. Jesus Christ’s thorough teachings and love concept  should serve as a catalyst that would bring unity and integration among all christian denominations. However, even though there is a willingness to converge and follow the same direction, there is a long way to go to achieve harmony and cooperation by today’s standards of a mutual endeavour. What should be learned from philosophy is the effort to express critical views without polemic and confrontation, but in respect towards other approaches to life and the theory of reality as well as ontology. 

Religion is quite knowledgeable about the situation in the world and has an answer for it. It is trying to explain why the world experiences conflict and war, immorality and suffering as well as unhappiness and despair. According to the Holy Scriptures the sin came into the world through the Original Sin or Fall of Man, a deviation that occurred in the Garden of Eden at the beginning of Human History. It is difficult to deny or dispute such truth since what happened afterwards shows exactly the contemporary miserable situation of the world. Adam and Eve failed to follow God’s Commandment (Genesis 2:17)))) and as a result were expelled from Paradise and were separated from God and continued living in alienation from Him. This failure is visible in their failed parenthood which led to bad education, self-centred love instead of true love, and as a consequence the murder of Abel by his brother Cain. This Biblical account is not a fantasy or utopia: it’s real, visible and touches upon each one of us, as members of a society from time immemorial. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, came actually to restore Adam’s failure and is therefore called, the second Adam. The mystery is we don't have clear evidence about the result! Theologians offer different and often controversial opinions about this.   

It’s wrong to believe that Religion and Philosophy cannot co-exist, because they have a different concept of the ultimate character of reality and their image  of God’s existence. Actually they are mutually inclusive as far as the pursuit of wisdom is concerned, which is a commonplace in their teachings, and if they differ in other concerns, this is their way to seek for awareness and truth. In religion revelation, worshipping and prayer practice are a source of spiritual experience and the pursuit of truth, while philosophy is using the path of intellectual research and rational reasoning in their search for truth. Philosophy by its own nature is not concerned with the existence of God or his essence and its purpose is not to attack religion, but there is a connecting point between them which is their awareness about morality and ethics. More than anything, I believe, that the connecting link between religion and philosophy is their pursuit for a higher perception and wisdom.“Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.” Albert Einstein

In conclusion, ever since the beginning and in the long course of history there have emerged a large list of religious philosophers like Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas and Leibniz along with Hegel, it proves the connection that exists between those two concepts of thought and insight. Their common link is moral values and ethics which are core elements in education and spiritual growth as well as the pursuit of maturity and integrity of character. Unless we stress those spiritual and moral core values in our education systems, there is no hope to create a sublime higher education that puts human character and integrity at the centre of their value system. It is then a matter of higher priority for our world community to work together in order to achieve the goal of a holistic educational system and approach for the sake of a sound and value oriented society for the generations to come.